Mr. Eko. Eko took up the John Locke’s religious position on the island when John lost faith.  John completely stopped believing that everything on the island happened for a purpose, and Eko had a prophetic dream about this, and took up John’s place in pushing the button.  Of course, as we all know, John eventually prevents Eko from pressing it, resulting in the explosion of the hatch.  I like Eko, for the same reason I like many other characters; because he has an enormous amount of faith.  There is just something about a person with faith, you just have respect for them; and know that they are devout, and there is something different about these type people.

Eko gave the ultimate sacrifice when he was a child.  Some guerrillas attempted to force Eko’s brother, Yemi, to kill a man, to prove that he was able to do it, in an attempt to get him to join with them.  Eko, knowing his brother didn’t want to do this, stepped in and shot the man for him.  This was a very brave move, and caused the guerrillas to take Eko instead of Yemi.  It’s a sacrifice that Eko gave up, to save his brother.  Yemi became a priest, and Eko grew up with the guerrillas, eventually becoming as wretched as they were.  So you have to stop and ask yourself, is Eko wrong in this situation?  Eko sacrificed himself to save his brother, but then turned just as evil as the guerrillas were.  I don’t think so; I think that life was placed before Eko, and he ended up exactly where he was supposed to be, which was on the island.

Eko is the only person that has stood up to the smoke monster and survived.  If you watch carefully, you can see all sorts of images flashing before his eyes in the scene.  A crucifix, Jesus’ face, his brother, and  many other things.  It is quite spooky, but interesting.  Eko in his past life, became a priest after his brother was taken onto a plane that was going to be used to smuggle drugs.  That very plane crashed on the same island that Oceanic Flight 815 did, which of course, Eko was on.  Eko’s reunion with his deceased brother was an incredible scene.

What can we learn from Eko comparing his life to ours?  That faith is a very good thing.  Faith in God, which he had, as well in faith in the island.  He knew that he had to pick up where John left off.  I think there’s a huge moral to the story, and that is when your friend falls, you have to be there to pick up where he left off, and encourage him to continue.  It doesn’t mean that it will always work, but it’s inspiring isn’t it?  Eko was so persistent to push that button; it almost reminds you of Locke when he first arrived on the island.